George Russell’s body language in pre-season testing proves he underestimated Kimi Antonelli

F1 Oversteer argues that George Russell's pre-season attitude showed he underestimated teammate Kimi Antonelli ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign. Despite Russell entering as the championship favorite and winning the Australian Grand Prix opener, 20-year-old Antonelli secured the Drivers' Championship title with four races remaining. Journalist Thomas Maher reported that Russell was striding around the Barcelona paddock during pre-season testing like an anticipated champion.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff labeled the title outcome a catastrophic event for Russell, who skipped media duties after Antonelli clinched the title in Mexico. The article states Russell struggled to adapt to the Mercedes W17 under new regulations, leaving him facing a difficult battle to retain his senior standing within the team heading into 2027.